Ateleopodids

Ateleopodids are a family of ray-finned fishes belonging to the order Ateleopodiformes. Commonly known as tadpole or jellynose fish, they are characterized by their soft, gelatinous bodies and a distinct lack of scales. A key feature is their large, upturned mouth, often described as tadpole-like, which they use to forage for food on the seafloor. Their ventral fins are typically elongated and positioned far forward, sometimes extending past the pectoral fins. Ateleopodids are found in deep waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, inhabiting depths ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand meters. Their diet consists mainly of small invertebrates found in the sediment. There are currently several genera and a limited number of species within this family. Reproduction in ateleopodids is not well understood, but it is believed to be oviparous, with eggs likely laid on the seabed. Their elusive nature and deep-sea habitat make them challenging to study, and much of their biology and behavior remains a mystery. They are not considered commercially important fish.